A day out in Cape Town

Firstly you will need a car, secondly you will need a map, you will need some cash.

From wherever you are in Cape Town start by heading to Kalk Bay harbour. There is a parking lot just by the road; as you drive along the main road you'll start getting glimpses of the harbour. Turn left into the parking lot by the harbour.

You could plan a late breakfast/early lunch at Harbour House, Polana or the slightly more eccentric Kalkys. But at least stop there to stretch your legs walk along the little pier and see the fishermen coming in to sell their produce fresh off their boats. There is also a local seal (or two now) there to entertain the crowds and bask in the sunshine.

Back in your car keep going in the same direction, head past Fishhoek, and aim for Boulders beach (just past Simonstown) to do some penguin spotting. There is a parking lot right down by the main entrance - or park along the main road. Bring swimming gear for the unique experience of swimming with penguins! There is a smallish admission fee, but worth it.

After this drive straight down to Cape Point. Keep in mind as you drive that once a year the Argus Cycle race (105km) follows the route you are taking now. Watch out for Baboons as you drive along.

At Cape Point, which is one of those places that leaves me with the sense of it having been a bit of a waste - but again it has to be included and is within easy reach (this might have to do with me growing up on the coast). It is very nice there but I doubt it will make your top 3-5 Cape Town experiences. There is a view point/tower at the top where everybody goes for the views. You could also follow a lower route that will take you further out (you'll see the path from the top tower). We did the lower route the last time and I would definitely recommend doing it.

Leaving Cape Point I would now turn left as you get back to the main road to keep going towards the West Coast. Keep your eyes open for the Ostrich farm on your right (might be worth a stop).

Next you will get to Scarborough - a uniquely and cosy little village. Look for a big-ish road on your left heading straight down to the Ocean - where there is a car park. I would advice you to go down there as the beach is stunning. It also gives you an opportunity to dip your toes to feel the cold Atlantic Ocean.

Next whistle-stop is my absolute favorite place to eat and relax; the stunning, yet reasonable, Thorfynns Restaurant at Monkey Valley resort (there should be signs - head for Chapmans Peak Road and it is the last left turn before the boom gate. You should sit outside on the balcony area (the main bulk of the seated area) with an amazing view down to Noordhoek Beach and sip an Ice-cold Savannah. I whole-heartedly recommend everything on their menu (my favorite is Potjiekos) If the time is right wait there until sunset. (and note the red sky often comes 10-15 minutes after the sun has disappeared in the horizon.)

Light permitting go down to Nordhoek Beach. Pristine beach, about 3km wide and 100-300m deep. Then continue around Chapmans Peak Road heading towards Hout Bay on the way to Camps Bay.

Drive along the main drag at Camps Bay, stop if you feel the urge - before heading back to Cape Town.